The 2026 Santa Fe Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts

Mayor Michael J. Garcia, the Arts & Culture Department, and the Santa Fe Arts Commission proudly announce the recipients of the 2026 Santa Fe Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, recognizing eight individuals and organizations whose creativity, leadership, generosity, and innovation strengthen Santa Fe's cultural vitality. The annual awards honor artists, educators, organizations, innovators, and arts leaders whose work sustains heritage, inspires creativity, expands educational opportunities, supports the creative economy, and fosters meaningful connections across the community, reflecting the City's belief that arts and culture are essential civic infrastructure and central to Santa Fe's identity as a UNESCO Creative City.

"The arts are the heart and soul of Santa Fe," says Mayor Garcia. "They tell our stories, preserve our heritage, spark innovation, and bring people together across generations and cultures. This year's honorees embody the creativity, generosity, and vision that make our city unlike any other in the world. On behalf of the people of Santa Fe, I congratulate these remarkable artists, educators, organizations, and community leaders for enriching our lives and ensuring that our creative legacy continues to inspire future generations."

From October 2025 through May 2026, the community submitted nominations through an open call. Arts commissioners then reviewed the nominations and developed a shortlist, from which Mayor Garcia selected the eight awardees.

2026 Honorees

Arts: Rose B. Simpson
Arts Educator: Mary H. Olson
Arts Innovator: Axle Contemporary
Culture Connects: Raashan Ahmad
Heritage Arts: Erica Lord
Philanthropy/Supporter: Catherine Oppenheimer
Youth Artist: Valentina Perea
The Community Different Award: Lensic and Lensic 360

Honorees will be celebrated at the annual awards ceremony, a free, all-ages event open to the public, on Tuesday, September 29, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 463 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe.

For questions, contact [email protected].

Visit our website to learn more about the 2026 Honorees and to register for the event.